Man Arrested for Meth After He Calls Casper Police

A man who called police late Monday to report a fictitious armed robbery was arrested after an officer allegedly found methamphetamine in his backpack.

Joshua Smith, 18, was booked into jail on a recommended charge of methamphetamine possession. He will likely make his initial appearance in Natrona County Circuit Court at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Charging papers say an officer responded to the Loaf N Jug at Poplar and Collins at 10:40 p.m. Monday after Smith called police and said another man had pulled a gun on him, then fled the area.

Smith appeared very calm and collected, according to the affidavit. The officer also noted what appeared to be "track marks" on Smith's right forearm, indicating "chronic intravenous drug use."

Smith said that he had been picked up by a man with the last name Martinez at about 10:15 p.m. and Martinez asked for $10 for gas. Later, Martinez supposedly pointed a black semi-automatic pistol at Smith and demanded money.

Smith told police that Martinez has previously requested drugs as payment for a ride. Smith allegedly admitted that he was a meth user, and ultimately said that he had drugs and paraphernalia inside his backpack.

Police searched the bag and allegedly found two syringes and two small baggies containing methamphetamine.

When contacted by police, Martinez said that Smith had asked for a ride and agreed to pay for gas. Martinez picked up Smith from a house on North Lincoln, then went to the Loaf N Jug because Smith did not actually have money, as he had previously told Martinez.

The two went into the Loaf N Jug to pre-pay for gasoline, but two of Smith's debit cards were declined and Martinez said he would not give Smith a ride. Smith got upset and called police; Martinez took off.

Martinez allowed police to search his apartment and vehicle for the gun described by Smith. Instead of a black semi-automatic handgun, an officer found a clear, plastic BB gun.

Smith was arrested and taken to jail. No booking photo for Smith was available from police on Tuesday morning.